SQA Important Questions
SQA Important Questions
SQA Important Questions
3. Early testing saves time and money: The earlier defects are found, the cheaper and
easier they are to fix. Testing should be conducted as early as possible in the software
development lifecycle to minimize the cost of defect resolution.
6. Pesticide paradox: If the same tests are repeated over and over again, eventually they
will no longer find new defects. Therefore, testing should be dynamic and continually
evolving to adapt to changes in the software.
7. Testing is a probabilistic activity: The goal of testing is not to prove that the software is
defect-free but to provide stakeholders with sufficient information to make informed
decisions about the quality of the software. Therefore, testing results should be
communicated in terms of probabilities and risks.
1. Requirements Gathering and Analysis: The first phase of the V-Model is the
requirements gathering and analysis phase, where the customer’s requirements for
the software are gathered and analysed to determine the scope of the project.
2. Design: In the design phase, the software architecture and design are developed,
including the high-level design and detailed design.
5. Deployment: In the deployment phase, the software is deployed and put into use.
7. The V-Model is often used in safety-critical systems, such as aerospace and defense
systems, because of its emphasis on thorough testing and its ability to clearly define
the steps involved in the software development process.
Q3 Explain the different levels of testing and explain any two out of them.
There are different levels of testing that are conducted throughout the software development
lifecycle. These levels of testing are typically classified based on the scope and purpose of the
tests. The main levels of testing are:
1. Unit testing: This is the lowest level of testing and involves testing individual units or
components of the software. Unit testing is typically conducted by developers and
focuses on ensuring that each unit of code performs as intended and meets the
functional and non-functional requirements.
2. 2. Integration testing: This level of testing involves testing the interactions between
different units or components of the software. Integration testing is conducted to
ensure that the units can work together effectively and that the integrated system
meets the functional and non-functional requirements.
3. System testing: This level of testing involves testing the system as a whole, including
its functional and non-functional aspects, such as usability, performance, security, and
compatibility. System testing is typically conducted by a dedicated testing team and
focuses on verifying that the software meets the specified requirements and can
perform its intended tasks in the expected environment.
4. Acceptance testing: This level of testing involves testing the software from the end-
users' perspective to ensure that it meets their requirements and expectations.
Acceptance testing is typically conducted by the end-users or a representative group
and focuses on verifying that the software meets their needs and can be accepted for
release.
Two of the levels of testing are explained below:
1. Unit testing: Unit testing is the process of testing individual units or components of
the software in isolation from the rest of the system. The objective of unit testing is
to identify defects in the smallest testable units of code and ensure that they work as
expected. Developers typically conduct unit testing using test frameworks such as
JUnit or NUnit. Unit tests are automated and repeatable, allowing developers to
identify and fix defects quickly and efficiently. Unit testing helps to reduce the cost of
fixing defects by catching them early in the development process.
2. System testing: System testing is a level of testing that involves testing the system as
a whole, including its functional and non-functional aspects. The objective of system
testing is to ensure that the system meets the specified requirements and can perform
its intended tasks in the expected environment.
Boundary value analysis, on the other hand, is a technique used to identify errors that occur at
the boundaries of input domains. It is based on the assumption that input values at the edge of
the input domain are more likely to cause errors than values in the middle of the domain.
For example, if a software application accepts numerical inputs between 1 and 100, boundary
value analysis would test the values at the edges of the input domain, i.e., 1, 100, and values
just above and below these limits (e.g., 2, 99), to identify any errors that may occur due to
boundary conditions.
The purpose of using equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis is to ensure that
test cases are designed effectively and efficiently, covering all possible input values and
identifying errors that may occur due to edge cases or boundary conditions. These techniques
help to reduce the number of test cases required to achieve maximum coverage and ensure
that the system is thoroughly tested.
Q10 Discuss the correlation between the cost of finding and fixing defects and
software development life cycle phases.
The cost of finding and fixing defects in software increases significantly as the software
development life cycle (SDLC) progresses. This is because defects that are found later in the
SDLC are more expensive to fix than defects that are found earlier.
Here is a brief overview of how the cost of finding and fixing defects correlates with the
SDLC phases:
1. Requirements Gathering: The cost of finding and fixing defects is relatively low in
this phase, as defects can be identified and corrected early in the requirements
gathering process. Defects identified in this phase are less expensive to fix because
they can be corrected with minimal impact on the design and development phases.
2. Design: The cost of finding and fixing defects increases in the design phase, as defects
that are not identified in the requirements gathering phase can be more expensive to
fix. Defects identified in this phase may require significant changes to the design,
which can increase the cost and effort required to fix them.
3. Implementation: The cost of finding and fixing defects is highest in the
implementation phase, as defects that are not identified in the previous phases can be
even more expensive to fix. Defects identified in this phase may require changes to
the code, which can be time-consuming and complex.
4. Testing: The cost of finding and fixing defects decreases in the testing phase, as
defects can be identified and corrected before the software is released. However,
defects identified in this phase can still be expensive to fix, as they may require
significant changes to the code.
5. Production: The cost of finding and fixing defects is highest in the production phase,
as defects can cause significant problems for end-users, resulting in lost revenue and
damage to the reputation of the software. Defects identified in this phase may require
emergency fixes, which can be very expensive.
Overall, the cost of finding and fixing defects in software increases significantly as the SDLC
progresses. Therefore, it is important to identify and fix defects as early as possible in the
development process to reduce the cost and effort required to fix them. This can be achieved
through the use of effective testing and quality assurance practices throughout the software
development life cycle.
Q11 What is Quality? Explain Quality Viewpoints for producing and buying
software.
Quality can be defined as the degree to which a software product or service meets the
specified requirements and expectations of its users. It encompasses a wide range of
attributes, including functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and
security.
In the context of producing and buying software, there are different quality viewpoints that
need to be considered:
1. Producer's Viewpoint: From the producer's viewpoint, quality means producing
software that meets the specified requirements and is delivered on time and within
budget. Quality can be achieved by following established software development
processes and best practices, such as requirements analysis, design, coding, testing,
and maintenance.
2. User's Viewpoint: From the user's viewpoint, quality means software that is easy to
use, reliable, and meets their specific needs. Quality can be achieved by involving
users in the software development process, conducting usability testing, and providing
clear documentation and user support.
3. Regulator's Viewpoint: From the regulator's viewpoint, quality means software that
complies with relevant regulations and standards. Quality can be achieved by
following established guidelines and standards, such as ISO 9001 or the Capability
Maturity Model Integration (CMMI).
4. Buyer's Viewpoint: From the buyer's viewpoint, quality means software that meets
their specific requirements and is delivered on time and within budget. Quality can be
achieved by conducting thorough vendor evaluations, negotiating contracts that
include quality requirements, and monitoring the vendor's performance throughout the
software development life cycle.
In conclusion, quality is a critical aspect of software development, and different quality
viewpoints need to be considered depending on the context of producing and buying
software. By adopting a quality-focused approach throughout the software development life
cycle, software producers can ensure that they deliver high-quality products that meet the
needs and expectations of their users.
Q12 Explain the incident response lifecycle with the help of a diagram.
The incident response life cycle is a series of procedures executed in the event of a security
incident. These steps define the workflow for the overall incident response process. Each
stage entails a specific set of actions that an organization should complete.
There are several ways to define the incident response life cycle. The process outlined
framework includes five phases:
1. Preparation
In this phase, the business creates an incident management plan that can detect an incident in
the organization’s environment. The preparation step involves, for example, identifying
different malware attacks and determining what their impact on systems would be. It also
involves ensuring that an organization has the tools to respond to an incident and the
appropriate security measures in place to stop an incident from happening in the first place.
2. Detection and Analysis
An incident response analyst is responsible for collecting and analyzing data to find any clues
to help identify the source of an attack. In this step, analysts identify the nature of the attack
and its impact on systems. The business and the security professionals it works with utilize
the tools and indicators of compromise (IOCs) that have been developed to track the attacked
systems.
3. Containment, Eradication, and Recovery
This is the main phase of security incident response, in which the responders take action to
stop any further damage. This phase encompasses three steps:
Containment. In this step, all possible methods are used to prevent the spread of
malware or viruses. Actions might include disconnecting systems from
networks, quarantining infected systems (Landesman, 2021), or blocking traffic to
and from known malicious IP addresses.
Eradication. After containing the security issue in question, the malicious code or
software needs to be eradicated from the environment. This might involve
using antivirus tools or manual removal techniques (Williams, 2022). It will also
include ensuring that all security software is up to date in order to prevent any
future incidents.
Recovery. After eliminating the malware, restoring all systems to their pre-
incident state is essential (Mazzoli, 2021). This might involve restoring data from
backups, rebuilding infected systems, and re-enabling disabled accounts.
Post-Event Activity
The final phase of the incident response life cycle is to perform a postmortem of the entire
incident (Cynet, 2022). This helps the organization understand how the incident took place
and what it can do to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. The lessons
learned during this phase can improve the organization’s incident security protocols and
make its security strategy more robust and effective.
Q13 Explain various types of test strategies and how to pick up the best types of
strategies for success.
There are several types of test strategies that can be used depending on the project's goals,
timeline, budget, and other constraints. Here are some of the commonly used test strategies:
1. Waterfall Test Strategy: This strategy involves sequential phases of development and
testing, where each phase must be completed before moving on to the next. This
strategy works best for projects with well-defined requirements and a fixed scope.
2. Agile Test Strategy: This strategy involves iterative development and testing, where
requirements and solutions evolve through the collaborative effort of self-organizing
and cross-functional teams. This strategy works best for projects with changing
requirements and the need for flexibility.
3. Risk-Based Test Strategy: This strategy involves identifying and prioritizing risks and
then designing tests to address those risks. This strategy works best for projects with
complex or critical systems where risk management is a top priority.
4. Exploratory Test Strategy: This strategy involves exploring the application without
predefined test cases, in order to discover new and unexpected defects. This strategy
works best for projects where the system's behavior is not well understood, and for
uncovering hidden defects.
5. Automation Test Strategy: This strategy involves automating the testing process to
increase efficiency and effectiveness. This strategy works best for projects with a
large number of test cases or repetitive tasks.
To pick the best test strategy for success, it's important to consider several factors such as the
project's goals, timeline, budget, risk tolerance, and team's skill set. Some key considerations
are:
1. Project goals and scope: The test strategy should align with the project's goals and
scope, as well as any constraints such as timeline and budget.
2. Development methodology: The test strategy should fit with the development
methodology being used, whether it's waterfall, agile, or another approach.
3. Risk assessment: A risk assessment should be performed to identify potential risks and
determine how to mitigate them. The risk-based test strategy might be more suitable
for projects with high-risk systems.
4. Resource availability: The test strategy should take into account the resources
available, such as team size, skillset, and technology.
5. Automation potential: The automation test strategy is useful when there is a large
number of test cases or a need for frequent regression testing.
Ultimately, the best test strategy is the one that fits the project's unique needs and constraints,
and provides the most effective testing approach for the system under test.
Q14 What are the benefits and risks of using tools? Explain.
Tools are used extensively in software testing and development to improve efficiency,
accuracy, and effectiveness. While there are numerous benefits to using tools, there are also
some potential risks to consider.
1. Benefits of using tools:
1.1. Improved Efficiency: Tools can automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual effort, and
save time and effort, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.
1.2. Increased Accuracy: Tools can perform complex calculations, simulations, and
analyses with greater precision than humans, reducing the chances of errors and
inaccuracies.
1.3. Better Test Coverage: Tools can help cover a wider range of test cases and scenarios,
improving test coverage and reducing the risk of defects.
1.4. Enhanced Collaboration: Tools can improve communication and collaboration among
team members, allowing for better coordination and teamwork.
1.5. Better Decision Making: Tools can provide real-time data, insights, and analytics,
enabling better decision-making and faster problem resolution.
1.6. Reusability: Tools can be used repeatedly for multiple projects and test cases,
resulting in time and cost savings.
2. Risks of using tools:
2.1. Cost: Purchasing and maintaining tools can be expensive, requiring significant
investment in hardware, software, and training.
2.2. Reliability: Tools may not always function as expected, leading to errors,
inaccuracies, and incomplete results.
2.3. Complexity: Tools may be complex to use and require specialized skills and
knowledge, leading to a learning curve for team members.
2.4. Limited Flexibility: Some tools may be inflexible, limiting their usefulness in certain
situations or for certain types of testing.
2.5. Integration Issues: Tools may not integrate smoothly with other tools or systems,
leading to compatibility issues and delays.
2.6. False Sense of Security: Relying too heavily on tools can lead to a false sense of
security and may overlook the importance of human judgment and expertise.
Overall, the benefits of using tools generally outweigh the risks, provided that they are used
appropriately, with adequate training and support, and in conjunction with human expertise
and judgment. It's important to carefully evaluate tools and consider their potential benefits
and risks before adopting them in a project.
Q15 Explain the types of Static Analysis by Tools.
Static Analysis is a technique used to analyze software code without actually executing it.
Static analysis tools examine the code to identify issues and provide feedback to the
developers to improve code quality. There are several types of static analysis that can be
performed by tools, including:
1. Code Review: A static code review involves analyzing the source code to identify
defects, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues. This type of static analysis
can be done manually or by using automated tools.
2. Code Quality Analysis: Code quality analysis tools assess the maintainability,
reliability, and complexity of the code. These tools can identify areas where the code
can be improved to ensure it is easier to maintain and more robust.
3. Code Coverage Analysis: Code coverage analysis tools determine how much of the
code is executed during testing. These tools help identify areas of the code that are not
being tested, allowing developers to improve test coverage.
4. Architecture Analysis: Architecture analysis tools examine the overall design of the
software, including its structure and relationships between components. These tools
can help identify design flaws and ensure the software meets its functional and non-
functional requirements.
5. Security Analysis: Security analysis tools identify vulnerabilities and security risks in
the code. These tools examine the code for common security issues, such as buffer
overflow, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting.
6. Standards Compliance Analysis: Standards compliance analysis tools check if the
code follows specific coding standards, such as MISRA, CERT, or OWASP. These
tools can identify violations and provide recommendations to ensure the code adheres
to the required standards.
7. Performance Analysis: Performance analysis tools measure the speed and efficiency
of the code. These tools can identify areas of the code that are slow or inefficient,
helping developers optimize the code for better performance.
Using static analysis tools can help improve code quality and reduce the number of defects in
software. However, it's important to note that these tools are not a substitute for manual code
reviews or testing. Developers should use these tools in conjunction with other testing
techniques to ensure the software is thoroughly tested and meets the required quality
standards.
Q16 Explain experience-based testing and its types.
Experience-based testing is a software testing approach that relies on the experience and
intuition of the testers. It involves using the testers' knowledge, skills, and expertise to
identify potential defects and issues in the software. Experience-based testing is a valuable
technique, especially when formal specifications or documentation are not available.
There are three main types of experience-based testing:
1. Exploratory Testing: Exploratory testing is a type of experience-based testing that
involves exploring the software to find defects and issues. It is an informal testing
approach where the tester performs ad-hoc testing without predefined test cases or
scripts. The tester uses their experience and intuition to identify defects and report
them.
2. Error Guessing: Error guessing is another type of experience-based testing that
involves using the tester's experience and intuition to identify potential defects in the
software. Testers make educated guesses about where defects might be hiding based
on their experience with similar software or based on their understanding of the code.
3. Checklist-based Testing: Checklist-based testing is a structured approach to
experience-based testing. Testers use predefined checklists to identify defects and
issues in the software. These checklists can be based on the tester's experience or can
be developed based on previous defects or issues encountered in similar projects.
Experience-based testing has several advantages, including:
1. It can help identify defects that might be missed by other testing approaches.
2. It is a cost-effective testing approach since it doesn't require extensive documentation
or test cases.
3. It is flexible and can be easily adapted to changing requirements.
However, experience-based testing also has some limitations. It is dependent on the skills and
experience of the testers, and the results may not be repeatable or consistent across different
testers. Therefore, it is important to use experience-based testing in conjunction with other
testing approaches, such as automated testing, to ensure complete test coverage.